Oakland is home to two restaurants from former "Top Chef" competitors: Shakewell, from Season 4 alum Jen Biesty and "Top Chef Just Desserts" competitor Tim Nugent, and Juhu Beach Club, from Season 6 contestant Preeti Mistry.

Hammer, who got his nickname back when he was an Oakland A's batboy due to his resemblance to slugger "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron, is himself a Cooking Channel star and presides over the episode's opening "quickfire challenge," which competitors learn when they meet him and host Padma Lakshmi in Jack London Square.

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